Hitman: Codename 47

Hitman: Codename 47

While Hitman: Codename 47 was a good game in its time it requires a lot of patience to get the most out of it. The lack of checkpoints or save spots means that one mistake can take you all the way back to the start of a mission. I also encountered quite a few bugs and crashes during my time with the game which is a pity. Check it out to see where it all started, but don’t expect it to blow you away.

Gameplay: Entertaining but expect lots of trial-and-error as well as needless repetition.

Graphics: Looking very dated at this point.

Sound: Flat voice acting, but the sound effects are good

Grand Theft Auto IV

Grand Theft Auto IV

Its hard not to harbor some resentment for the delay and lesser port that PC owners have received with this game, but at the end of the day it’s still a lot of fun to play and a great game. As long as you can look past the technical issues that is.

Gameplay: The technical issues and more “mature” feel detracts a bit from the gameplay but it’s still good.

Graphics: With the right hardware this game looks stunning.

Sound: Decent voice acting and loads of good tunes

Assassin’s Creed III

Assassin’s Creed III

While the lead character, Conner, is not quite as charismatic or interesting as his predecessor, Ezio, the game is definitely not lacking in ambition. While it is the largest entry in the series to date, it can get bogged down in all kinds of menial tasks. The story is interesting and Desmond finally has his chance to shine but the story feels overly scripted with little of the freedom that the series was based on.

Gameplay: Large and varied but less focussed than previous installments.

Graphics: Beautiful in places but the setting is rather drab.

Sound: Quality audio and effects

Saints Row

Saints Row

There is no denying that Saints Row stole most of its ideas from the Grand Theft Auto series but at least it pulled it off with style. Causing mayhem in the city of Stillwater is lots of fun and at times the game does an even better job than what Grand Theft Auto managed. If you like open world games then you might want to check out this one.

Gameplay: Definitely worth looking into especially if you enjoy the GTA games.

Graphics: Good but a few glitches here and there.

Sound: Good voice acting and lots of humour

Assassin’s Creed® Revelations

Assassin’s Creed® Revelations

While not quite the “revelation” that I was hoping for, this game does tie up the stories of Altair and Ezio. Not much has changed gameplay wise and the story is not the best in the series but the game is still very entertaining. It is definitely not for newcomers to the series as the story is a direction continuation of Brotherhood but it does fill the gap until Assassin’s Creed 3.

Gameplay: Pretty much the same as Brotherhood.

Graphics: Not bad but the colours are a bit dull.

Sound: Good voice acting and atmospheric music

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

While Uncharted 3 is a great game, it falls somewhat short of the jaw dropping thrills delivered in the last game. The story is little less inspiring and the whole game has a bit of a rushed feel to it. There are some great set pieces and the usual assortment of exotic locations but nothing that tops Uncharted 2.

Gameplay: Epic but somehow not quite as epic as the last installment.

Graphics: Still some of the best on the system.

Sound: Up to the usual high standards

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2 improves on just about every aspect of the original game to deliver one of the best action experiences on the PS3. The locations are exotic and varied, the enemies cunning and the dialogue great. Virtually every single chapter has a stand out moment that will leave you slack jawed with amazement. Definitely one of the finest games on the system.

Gameplay: The perfect mix of action and adventure.

Graphics: A showcase of what the PS3 can deliver.

Sound: Great voice acting and excellent music

Just Cause

Just Cause

Just Cause starts with a bang, but runs out of steam way too early. The huge gameworld is certainly impressive, but up close the flaws are all too apparent. Once you add in easy missions, repetitive gameplay and a lot of annoying quirks the shine soon wears off. There is still loads of fun to be had by messing around, but do not expect this to be close to Grand Theft Auto.

Gameplay: Had a lot of potential, but unfortunately fall somewhat short.

Graphics: Very impressive from a distance, but not so good up close.

Sound: Not very memorable

Afterfall Reconquest Episode I (IntoXicate Studios)

Afterfall Reconquest Episode I (IntoXicate Studios)

Afterfall Reconquest allows you to explore a post apocalyptic world, where predictably enough, humanity has managed to practically wipe themselves out. A lucky few survived the conflict by hunkering down in sanctuary cities deep in the mountains, but eventually even they had to venture out for resources. Of course, the mutants roaming what is left of the world don’t take too kindly to anyone venturing into their territory